FIREFLIES

Join the next generation of education researchers with the necessary research, leadership, entrepreneurial, and professional skills to increase the quality, accessibility, use, and relevance of education research and to improve reading outcomes for all learners. Focused on the interdisciplinary study of reading, 10 doctoral fellows will be prepared to succeed as education researchers in a variety of contexts, including institutions of higher education, local and state education agencies, and nonprofit research organizations.
Information Session
Annual funding package (3 or 4 year program)
- $34,000 stipend
- Up to $12,000 to cover tuition and student health insurance
- $2,000 Research, Travel, Engagement, and Development Fund
Students will apply through their doctoral program, with some deadlines as early as December 1, 2020.
Interviews for FIREFLIES will begin in early 2021, so applicants are encouraged to apply to their doctoral program as early as possible and no later than January 1, 2021. Please see the doctoral program of interest for specific information on application requirements and deadlines.
Minimum Requirements
- Acceptance in one of the following FSU doctoral programs where FCRR faculty are appointed and assigned as your primary advisor (begin program in Fall 2021):
- Curriculum & Instruction (Reading Education and Special Education Concentrations)
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Educational Psychology (Learning and Cognition)
- Psychology (*Developmental or Clinical Programs)
- Social Work
*GRE waiver for the Developmental Psychology Program is available to certain students who meet the requirements laid out on the program website: https://psy.fsu.edu/php/graduate/programs/developmental/developmental.php?_tr=3
- A commitment to study P-12 student reading achievement in the United States through an interdisciplinary lens
- A commitment to study full-time on campus for the duration of the training program, without taking on any additional employment while in the fellowship program
- A commitment to attain a career as a leading academic researcher in the field of reading research post-graduation
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Florida State University (University) is an equal opportunity employer and educational provider committed to a policy of non-discrimination for any member of the University's community on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veterans' status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected group status. This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, visitors, applicants, and contractors in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, orders, and University policies, procedures, and processes.
- IES requires that all fellows be a citizen of the United States or hold permanent resident status. By accepting this fellowship, the fellow affirms that this requirement is met and will provide documentation (e.g., passport).

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, #H325D190037. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Program Officer, Katina Stapleton.
Christopher DeCamp is a Ph.D. student in the clinical psychology program under Dr. Christopher Lonigan as well as a FIREFLIES fellow. Christopher DeCamp is interested in intervention efficacy, with a specific focus on improving outcomes for children with reading disabilities, as well as executive function's role in academic achievement.
Cynthia Norris is a doctoral student at Florida State University’s Department of Psychology in the Developmental Psychology Program. Before starting Ph.D. she worked in the field of public health. Her research focuses on individual differences in reading development and the contextual environmental and genetic factors influencing learning. Cynthia has a strong interest in using quantitative methods and interdisciplinary research to understand problems in achievement.